Lib Dems accuse Tories of wanting rail strike to go ahead to keep its activists away from by-election

By-election falls on date of rail strike and could cause logistical difficulties

Rail workers across the UK are going on strike next week (AFP via Getty Images)

The Liberal Democrats have accused the government of "sitting on its hands" and letting a looming national rail strike go ahead – to keep their activists away from a crucial by-election.

In a letter to Grant Shapps Sarah Olney, the party's transport secretary accused ministers of "playing games with people’s lives" to "help save" Boris Johnson.

The Conservatives are facing a crucial by-election test in Tiverton and Honiton after the resignation of Tory MP Neil Parish, who quit after admitting to watching pornography at work.